How do you fix CAD printing and plotting problems?

1 Check your printer settings

The first thing to do when you face a printing or plotting problem is to check your printer settings. Make sure you have selected the correct printer, paper size, orientation, scale, and quality. You can access these settings from the Print or Plot dialog box in your CAD software. Also, check if your printer driver is up to date and compatible with your CAD software and operating system.

2 Adjust your plot style

Another possible cause of printing and plotting problems is your plot style. Plot styles control how the colors, lineweights, line types, and fill patterns of your CAD objects are displayed on paper. You can use predefined plot styles or create your own. To change your plot style, go to the Plot Style Manager in your CAD software and select the appropriate plot style table. Then, assign the plot styles to your layers or objects.

3 Optimize your drawing file

Sometimes, your drawing file may be too large or complex to print or plot properly, leading to slow performance, errors, or incomplete output. To optimize your drawing file, you can purge unused blocks, layers, styles, and other objects. Additionally, audit and repair any errors or corruption in your drawing. Instead of inserting drawings into your current drawing, you can use external references (xrefs) to link them. Reducing the number of viewports, annotations, and dimensions is also beneficial. Finally, the Overkill command can help delete duplicate or overlapping objects.

4 Troubleshoot your printer hardware

If none of the above solutions work, you may have a problem with your printer hardware. Common issues can include low ink or toner levels, paper jams or misfeeds, dirty or damaged print heads or rollers, and faulty or loose cables or connections. To troubleshoot your printer hardware, it is recommended to follow the instructions from your printer manufacturer or contact their support service.

5 Use a PDF converter

A final option to fix your printing and plotting problems is to use a PDF converter. A PDF converter is a software that converts your CAD drawing into a PDF file that you can print or share with others. PDF files are more compatible and reliable than CAD files and can preserve the quality and appearance of your drawing. To use a PDF converter, you need to install one on your computer and select it as your printer in your CAD software. Then, you can print or plot your drawing as a PDF file.

6 Learn more tips and tricks

Printing and plotting are essential skills for any CAD user. However, they can also be challenging and frustrating at times. To learn more tips and tricks on how to print and plot your CAD drawings effectively, you can check out some online resources, such as blogs, forums, tutorials, and courses. You can also ask for help from other CAD users or experts in your network or community.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?